In an unprecedented move after an all-candidates meeting on Thursday, the United Steelworkers Local 2251 in Sault Ste. Marie voted to support the incumbent Progressive Conservative candidate Ross Romano.

Representing workers at the Algoma steel plant, the union traditionally throws their support behind the NDP.

This is the first time the northern union has voted not to support the NDP since endorsements started in the 1960s.

Local 2251 president Mike Da Prat told local media that “not in my living memory” has the union supported any party but the NDP, explaining his members liked the PC party position on cap-and-trade and other issues.

The PC party is prominsing to kill the province’s cap-and-trade program which adds 4.3 cents to every litre of gasoline.

“We want all parties to work for our vote,” Da Prat said.

“Why would anyone care what we thought about if we were fixated on one party — we wish Romano the best of luck in the upcoming election.”

Romano says the endorsement shows the NDP is out of sync with the working class as radical elements of the party try to shut down mines instead of enhancing job growth.

“Blue collar workers follow the economy, watch the markets and know when a party doesn’t represent them,” Romano said Saturday.

“People want to see change. When the see how the Liberals have been operating and what the NDP are promising they realize they are out of touch.”